Issaquah, WA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

The park-specific hook is the last sentence of IMC 9.26.020: individual parks may be open earlier or later for reserved or scheduled recreational activities pursuant to a special event or special use permit as allowed under Chapter 5.14 IMC. The permit rules themselves sit in that chapter.

Chapter 5.14 defines a special event as an event organized by any person that will generate or invite considerable public participation and/or spectators, for a particular and limited purpose and time. The examples printed include fun runs, roadway foot races, fundraising walks, bikeathons, parades, carnivals, shows, exhibitions, circuses and fairs. IMC 5.14.020(A) makes it unlawful to hold a special event in the City, or to use any street, right-of-way or other public place for any purpose, without a City permit in full force and effect. The exemptions in 5.14.020(B), such as school or church dances, garage sales and film exhibitions, apply only to events conducted entirely upon private property.

Applications go to the City Administrator at City Hall on City forms. IMC 5.14.030 asks for the applicant's name, address, telephone number and date of birth, a description and duration of the event, the proposed location and structures, any street use, and an estimate of attendance. A nonrefundable application fee under IMC 3.64.010 is required, and the City Administrator can reduce it for undue hardship. Under IMC 5.14.040 the departments return their review within 10 working days.

IMC 5.14.050 lets the City Administrator issue the permit after comments from the Chief of Police, the Public Works Director and the Fire Chief. Criteria include no unreasonable danger to participants or the public, no unreasonable interference with traffic, adequate parking plans, and at least 3 feet of unobstructed sidewalk where a walkway is partly blocked. When City property is used, the applicant must agree to indemnify the City and carry comprehensive general liability insurance naming Issaquah as an additional insured, with 30 days' prior written notice of cancellation. Applicants also reimburse the City for extra services such as police officers directing traffic. Decisions can be appealed to the City Council under Chapter 1.32 IMC (IMC 5.14.080).